HEALTH

Why COVID-19 preparation, prevention is important

Mar 13, 2020, 10:37 AM | Updated: 11:04 am

Utah small businesses...

103.5 The Arrow's Jon Smith shared this photo of the mostly-empty toilet paper aisle at Target in Salt Lake City.

Our listeners have been asking us a lot of questions in recent days: Why is there so much attention on COVID-19 preparation right now? Is the media just creating a panic through this reporting? Is it really as bad as the headlines suggest?

We decided it might help to explain why health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, are sounding the alarm.

COVID-19 preparation should feel like an overreaction if we do it right

World health experts estimate the death rate for coronavirus to be around 3% to 4% worldwide. They expect that number will fall to something closer to 1% once we are able to test more people — currently, only the sickest people are being tested, which could therefore skew the number higher.

Even if the mortality rate was at 1%, though, that is still about ten times higher than the death rate of the average seasonal influenza. According to the CDC, the flu kills about 0.12% of people who get it every year.

Most people who get coronavirus will have a “mild” illness, with symptoms similar to the common cold. The symptoms tend to include upper respiratory tract issues, like a cough, sore throat, low fever, headache and runny nose. For most people, those symptoms go away on their own within a couple of days.

The problem is for people with weakened immune systems, for example, if they are older or have an underlying health condition. They are both more likely to become sick and to experience a more serious lower respiratory tract illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Those illnesses can increase the risk of death.

How does COVID-19 preparation help?

COVID-19 preparation and prevention are aimed at lowering the percentages both of infection and death, in part by preventing the illness from reaching vulnerable populations.

There’s a secondary concern that without lowering those numbers, we will overwhelm the nation’s hospitals and clinics and create a different type of crisis. The simplest explanation is this: if we can slow the spread and minimize the numbers affected, our hospitals have a fighting chance of handling it.

If we do this right, it’ll feel like we’re overreacting because so many fewer people got sick than expected. That’s the plan! 

A lot of urban legends are spreading, and that could be dangerous

Multiple myths started circulating on social media about COVID-19 early on. They’ve been repeatedly debunked but could be considered dangerous because they could lead people not to take COVID-19 preparation and prevention seriously, or they could incite panic.

Myth #1

Scientists in the US, China and other places have repeatedly debunked theories that novel coronavirus was lab-created.

We’ll say it again: that is not true.

While experts are still trying to figure out the exact origins of this strain, the latest findings suggest it likely originated in bats, from which it transmitted to another animal host before moving to humans. This is similar to how the SARS epidemic began in 2003.

Myth #2

Another myth making the rounds is that home remedies can either cure or prevent COVID-19. Yes, some chemical disinfectants, like bleach, can kill coronavirus on surfaces. But putting those same substances on (or in) your body or even under your nose not only won’t protect you – they could actually hurt you.

Myth #3

Finally, we’re hearing people say children aren’t getting coronavirus. This is untrue. While most cases of COVID-19 have infected people over the age of 18, there are some cases in children, according to the CDC.

What should we do? Facts, not fear

There’s currently no cure for COVID-19, and it could take more than a year to develop, approve and distribute a vaccine.

What to do in the meantime? You’re probably already doing it:

  • Practice good hand washing hygiene
  • Stay at least three feet away from anyone who may be sick
  • Stay home when you’re sick
  • Clean the surfaces and objects you touch
  • Avoid touching your face

If you think you might be sick, contact your medical provider rather than showing up unannounced. They will advise you on whether you need to come in or self-quarantine.

Q: Should we go to the store?

A: Yes, but be reasonable and save some for the neighbors

The CDC does recommend making sure you have supplies on hand to stay at home for a few weeks if needed. This does not mean you should go out and buy up all the toilet paper and bottled water at the store.

As Utah Gov. Gary Herbert noted earlier this week, Utah’s drinking water is safe and is not expected to be affected in any way by coronavirus. And most of us would not go through reams of toilet paper in just a couple of weeks.

“Everyone take a deep breath,” Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who heads up the state’s coronavirus task force, said Thursday. “We’re not making these decisions today because things are really bad. We’re making these decisions today so things don’t get really bad.”

Related stories: 

Facts, not fear: KSL NewsRadio’s coronavirus resource center

Gov. Herbert, state officials address COVID-19 and Utah schools

Opinion: Coronavirus Overreaction? No dummy, it’s the right reaction

EPA releases list of products that kills the coronavirus

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus 

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading: 

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.  
  • Don’t touch your face. 
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet) 
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.) 
  • Get a flu shot. 

Local resources

State of Utah:  https://coronavirus.utah.gov/

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

A study found high levels of plastic chemicals in multiple food items....

Eric Cabrera

Study finds foods with high levels of plastic chemicals, Fairlife protein shake tops list

Study reveals plastic chemicals in several foods. Fairlife Core's chocolate protein shake tops list.

1 day ago

Reminder to set your clocks back, Daylight Saving comes to an end this weekend and with the change ...

Michael Camit and Diana Jones

How could daylight saving impact you?

Daylight saving comes to an end this weekend. While we'll get an extra hour of sleep, the change can cause a big hit to our health.

3 days ago

A dairy cow is pictured at a dairy farm in Corrine on Tuesday, July 23, 2024....

Simone Seikaly

Some Utah dairy facilities quarantined after avian flu detected

Utah officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in eight Cache County dairy facilities.

3 days ago

Image of a child in costume holding a plastic pumpkin dish filled with Halloween candy. Concern for...

Sam Herrera

It’s candy season, but what does all that added sugar mean for our health?

Sugar is a part of everyone's diet and can provide an important function. But, foods with added sugar usually don't have other nutrients.

4 days ago

Pumpkin soup...

Mariah Maynes

USU Extension recommends eating pumpkin, calls it “superfood”

Utah State University's Extension recommends incorporating pumpkin into your diet as it It contains several beneficial nutrients.

4 days ago

A car drives through a crosswalk near some Halloween decorations in Chicago on Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Ph...

DEVNA BOSE AP Health Writer

This Halloween, be safe when trick-or-treating by watching for cars

Experts say the scariest things on Halloween is traffic. Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

Water park with a vintage VW bug in front with a surfboard on top...

Cowabunga Bay

Spend the last days of summer at Cowabunga Bay! 

Cowabunga Bay is one of Utah's premier water parks that features water slides, a lazy river, a kids' cove, and a beach with lounge chairs.

A young woman smiles while reading the menu at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view o...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best restaurants to try in Bear Lake

Save this guide to the best restaurants in Bear Lake when you need to find a place to dine during your next visit.

Why COVID-19 preparation, prevention is important